Role of mechanical stress in mitigating chemotherapy-associated bone loss

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Center of Biomedical Research Excellence in Matrix Biology administrative supplement will support women’s health research in an IDeA state, specifically Idaho. The results of this study will enhance our understanding of how bone health may be maintained for breast cancer survivors and those who have undergone chemotherapy. This question is at the foundation of concerns for women who have had breast cancer treatment and who are therefore at an increased risk for osteoporosis and fracture. The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age and is particularly high in women age 60 and older. Because of their age, these women are already at an increased risk for osteoporosis. Case rates in Idaho are higher than the national average, and much higher for some of the more rural counties within Idaho. Prevention and therapeutic interventions are needed to minimize bone loss and reduce fracture risk in this large and growing population. The proposed work will leverage resources available at Boise State University, specifically the Biomolecular Research Core and the RNA sequencing laboratory. The objective for this project is to investigate low-intensity vibration-induced improvements in both DNA damage repair in mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblast differentiation, and extracellular matrix production during cisplatin treatment. Results from this project will yield a greater understanding of how external mechanical force is involved in maintaining bone health during anti-cancer treatment. At the completion of the proposed experiments, we anticipate a greater understanding of non-pharmacologic and targeted therapeutic interventions to decrease long-term sequelae following chemotherapy. The results of the proposed work may reduce bone fractures, cancer metastasis, and recurrence. Additionally, this administrative supplement will expand the research and research capacity to conduct women’s health research in the state of Idaho.